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Dade City Teen Takes A Turn On Broadway

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By SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT In The Loop

IN THE LOOP

Published: December 26, 2008

DADE CITY - Shelby Martin, 14, of Dade City said she feels at home on the stage, which is why it is her dream to be on Broadway.

In the meantime, she spends most of her free time taking dance and singing lessons, along with the occasional acting class. All the lessons paid off when three years ago she auditioned and was chosen to dance in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. She has danced in the parade every year since.

"It was lots of fun," Shelby said. "We did a lot of work in a short time. I had to learn everything for the dance number and the song we had to sing. I also got to do these Broadway workshops where they brought in an acting teacher and we learned a song and dance number from 'Shrek The Musical.'"

In the past few years, Shelby only danced in the opening number, but this year was different. Shelby walked the entire parade route with the Kermit the Frog float.

"It was so cool to look up and see people on top of the high-rise buildings and faces in every window," Shelby said. "We had to sing and dance to the Kermit the Frog song and while we were walking, Kermit would sing."

While visiting the Big Apple, Shelby had the opportunity to take in Broadway shows, including "Hairspray," "Mary Poppins" and most recently "Wicked."

"My favorite show now is 'Wicked,'" Shelby said. "It was amazing. It was very unrealistic but almost realistic at the same time. I think the actors did a great job. One day I hope to be in any part on any play on Broadway. I like being on stage because it is fun to bring the magic of performance to people."

Currently, Shelby takes dance lessons at Blackwood Studios in Dade City where she is also a member of the elite dance group Les Estoiles. Her teacher, Mary Ann Blackwood, said Shelby has talent.

"She is a wonderful performer and she works very hard," Blackwood said. "She is a really great kid and so down to earth. I think she is definitely going places."

While working hard to become the best dancer, singer and actor she can be, Shelby also strives for excellence in her school work. She is an honor roll student at St. Anthony Interparochial Catholic School in San Antonio. She hopes to attend Bishop McLaughlin High School next year.

Terri Martin, Shelby's mother, said she is very proud of her daughter.

"She is your typical kid, but she is extremely focused," Terri said. "She is definitely a blessing. I think this experience has educated her and broadened her horizons. Before this she didn't even know about New York."

Shelby has also received recognition for her dancing abilities locally. She has competed in the Spotlight on Talent at the Wesley Chapel Performing Arts Center as well as in the Showcase of Talent at the Pasco County Fair. She also is a member of the Showstoppers, a show choir group.

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